Retort and method of heating same



Nov. 4, 1952 E. A. RODGERS RETORT AND METHOD OF HEATING SAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 50, 1946 Elbert ARodggrs INVENTOR.

j HIS ATTORNEY NW. 4, 1952 E. A. RODGERS 2,616,680

' RETORT AND METHOD OF HEATING SAME Filed Dec. 30, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 N N Elbert fl.R0d 9811i INVENTOR.

HIS ATTORNEY Nov. 4, 1952 RODGERS 2,616,680

RETORT AND METHOD OF HEATING SAME Filed Dec. 30, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 9- 4 jg? 9 :wqmn llilil ,4 1|! .1."

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Elbert/118001 51213 LNVEN R C His .IITTORNEY Nov. 4, A,/RODGERS 2,616,680

RETORT AND METHOD OF HEATING SAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 30, 1946 Elbert A. Rodgers INVENTOR.

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HIS ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 4, 1952 UNITED STATES 2,616,680 ENTT OFFICE mom METHOD or same sAME' slant A'-.--Rodgers,-lfitus; Okla A v v KfipHcatfoifDecemlier' so, 1946', seriarNo-.v19'-,29ow

This invention relates to'improvement's in retorts, particularly or the character used for rendering animal and vegetable matter for theextractionof fats and; oils therefrom through the application of: heat:

Heretofore, the devices pmvided for this": purpose have used steam jacketedvesselsfon heating the materials to be treated, but such devices have not been satistactory; They have requiredthe use of a boiler and: control means for the temperature and pressureg. as well.- as provisions for keeping the fire burningunitorm-ly, which variety of controls and: the provision." or steam heat haverendered; such devlces'ezkpensiwe, com-- plicated in constructicn'and operationcandtthese have also been unsatisfactory" from arh'eating" standpoint, because of thedackof uniform heat and the heat lossthat results therefrom The primary object ofr'this invention is to pro: vide for the heating of such materials by means of dry heat, such: as hot'air or hot gases other than steam, and: to circulate suchheating fluids in heat exchange relation with the animal ;or vegetable matter, during the processing thereon, to provide the maximum; ellilciency in the retcrt.

. A further object of the'invention is to improvetheconstruction: o1 retorts of this character to: provide the maximum efiiciency of heating of the; materials with a-minimum of heating meansand equipment in processing the: materials for the extraction of fats and oils-therefromc a, H I

Still another object-ofthe invention is to pro; vide for the heating of; the animal or vegetable matter by dry heatapplied: thereto inua retort; combined with an agitationot the '-n aterial which will prevent sticking and insures'the application of uniformheating thereot, whereby the desired heating efiect; may beobtainedwitha ma iirniim of efficiency and yet with simplified equipment In one embodiment of the lnvention;-- the hot air generateu by a furnaceniay be' used: to heatthe" materials; by 'c'irculatingisalid Hot-air; andthe products of combustion direct W ram thebufiie'r around the heating" chamber in". fie'at e'icchaii e relation therewith. where triemaxnfiumghe t absorption may beobtai ne'd' and ,eficiency' of op jation, but in a'structure man's"extremely-simple and inexpensive to provide and operate." The" heated products of combustion are" dictated around the heatingjchanrbr toobtai'n the 'rnari mum retention of heat'therefroinj and yet pre vision is made'f or preventlngtlie fismenom om; ing into-direct contact with theheatingchamber; whenaby the material may beheat'ed a the" sired extent in'a of t ef'arid f e1 obtaining uniform sea "arirsfibi'htifiahnf? The invention isillustra-ted in certain embodie' ments thereof, iIithe sccomsanyisg erawiiegs m which: I

- Fig; 1 isa perspective-headache form crretcre embodying this invention; 7 Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the u per portion:

thereof; a

2 claims;- (01. 263 -41) Fig. 4 is an end elevation at the opposite end iro'm Fig.- 2; partly in sectionon the line 44 of'Fig. 3e

- Fig. 5 is-a vertical cross section of the retort on Fig; 6- is aside elevation partly in section through; a modified form of retort embodying thisinvention;

4 Figs 7* is an end elevation thereof, taken on tlieline f -10f Figs 6; and

Fig. 8 is 'a cross section through the retort on the linelL-B of Fig; 6-;

Referring to the: form ofv retort shown in Figs. It'o 5; and illustrated: as one embodiment of the 1 invention this is constructed with an outer shell generally indicated at I, enclosing" the major parts of the retort. The shell lv encloses a combustion chamber 2 atoneend portion of the retort within which is disposed a fire brick-structure 3; enclosing a;- burner 4;. which burner is at the bottom of the combustion chamber. Any suitable form of burner may he used for the purpose as desired, such as an oil or gas burner, that will provide the required amount of heat for the purpose;

Extending lengthwise or the shell I, in the upper portion thereof, is a cylindrical heating chamber 5,. preferably spaced from the surroundwallof thers'hell' I, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5,. witha circulating passage 6 therebetween for the passage of heated air currents. The heating chamber 5* is'mounted securely .at its opposite endson the respective end heads of the shell I,

- which-heads are designated; at I and 8' and are secured in permanent relation to the shell I.-

The heating chamber 5 is partially enclosed at the bottom by a bafile plate 9 (Figs. 3 and 5) which extendsglengthwise from the head 8 toward the opposite head- E but may be spaced from the 46 latter, if desire d to permit freedom of circula- 171011391: the products of combustion? into the circulating chamber 6. The bafileplatefl' is secured to oppositesides of theshell l" and may be provided with openings l0 therein; along its opposite edgesat a point Withinth combustion chamber {for thecirculation of heated" air currents from within-the combust'ionchamber'into the circulatingicliamberli'.

J The heated air currentsrmm within the corribustibnflchafilbr 2 will be drawn into the" circm tirigchamber' 6 adjacent one end of the heating? chamber 5 and will pass uniformly throughoutthe length of the" circulating chambet 6 around the heatingchamber; This"m'ay be 3 forced circulation, if desired; for which purpose 9: blower fl' is'"'connected' a'tit's intake-side with a pipe 2 thathasconnections f3 ihto the; circulat: ing chamber 6 through the head 8 of the she1l. vaives' are sl'io'vvnat M for controlling these conriections; whichvalves 'may be'operatedmanually or thermostatically, as desired; The discharge side bf-the blower FF is shown-'at'-l-5 ;leading into theicombus'tfon chamber 2 for recirculation: and

.Fig. a is a longitudmarsecn rial vievstnere re'-heati rig o thegaseous fluid Thus the fa'n it through, with parts in elevation? I suckscne: gaseous fluid out; of the circulatingchamber 6, after it passes throughout the length of the heating chamber 5, around the latter, and in heat-exchange relation therewith, and then returns this gaseous fluid for re-heating and recirculation, if desired. The extent of re-circulation will be controlled by the valves l4 that will regulate the amount of air withdrawn from the chamber 5. This chamber may be vented, if desired at l6, which vent is controlled by a. valve H, which likewise may be controlled either manually or thermostatically.

Provision is made for charging the retort with animal or vegetable matter through a top opening sleeve I8, that extends through the shell I to the heating chamber 5, opening into the interior of the latter. This sleeve I8 is adapted to be closed in tight relation by means of a cover |9, hinged at 25, at one side of the sleeve and provided with an eye bolt clamp 2|, at the opposite side thereof for drawing the cover in tightly sealed relation upon the sleeve |8. A vent line 22 is shown as connected with one side of the sleeve I8 for applying a pressure or vacuum to the interior of the heating chamber 5, which pressure or vacuum may be maintained therein by a suitable control valve (not shown), connected with the vent line 22. A vacuum may be desirable especially where the material is to be dehydrated within the retort.

Provision may be made for agitating the material within the heating chamber 5, if desired. Accordingly, I have shown a shaft 23 extending lengthwise centrally through the heating chamber and through packing glands 24 in the heads 3 and 8 of the shell. The shaft 23 is journaled in bearings 25 mounted on the heads '5 and 8, externally of the shell for freedom of rotation of the shaft. While any suitable means may be provided for operating the shaft, this is shown as being keyed to a gear 26, meshing with a pinion 23 mounted on the armature shaft of an electric motor 28, which motor is shown as seated upon a supporting structure 29, externally of the retort. An appreciable gear reduction is provided through the gearing 262|, as will be evident, because only slow rotation of the shaft is desirable, although this may vary, according to the character of material being processed.

Mounted on the shaft 23 are series of radially extending arms 30, each of which arms carries at its outer end an agitating paddle 3|. As will be evident from the paddles viewed edgewise, substantially on the axis of the shaft 23, in Fig. 3, each paddle 3| has a face 32 extending parallel with the axis, and a face 33 extending at an acute angle thereto. Therefore, when the paddles 3| are turned in one direction within the heating chamber 5, the material will be agitated by the faces 32. However, when these paddles are turned in the opposite direction, the material will be moved lengthwise toward the opening for unloading, as shown in Fig. 3, by engagement thereof with the faces 33.

A discharge opening is provided at 34 in the bottom portion of the heating chamber 5, normally closed by a door 35. As shown in Fig. 2, the door 35 is hinged at 36, at one side thereof, and is provided with a clamping bolt 31 at the opposite side thereof for securing the door in sealed relation over the opening 34.

In the operation of the retort, a charge of material is injected into the heating chamber 5 through the opening sleeve l8, after which the door I9 is closed and sealed in tight relation therewith. The motor28 is operated in a direction to cause the flat sides 32 of the paddles to be moved toward the material and to cause an agitating action thereof in the heating chamber 5 The burner 4 will be operated to supply the desired heat to the heating chamber. The heated air currents thereof and gaseous products of combustion will be directed up from the combustion chamber 2 into and through the circulating chamber 6, in heat-exchange relation with the interior of the heating chamber 5. This circulation may be continued and the gaseous products re-circulated through the pipes l2 and I3, the blower H, and the pipe l5, according to the disposition of the valves I4.

In applying heat to the heating chamber 5 by utilizing the hot gases from the combustion chamber, no heat loss is permitted as would be the case where the heating chamber is heated through an intermediate media, such as hot water or steam, that would result in a considerable loss, due to breaking down of the molecular structure of the water to produce steam; and further heat loss would result from the conduction of the steam to the desired point of use with resultant condensation, which has presented a serious problem heretofore due to the trapping of the condensed moisture.

It will be appreciated that the processing of the animal or vegetable matter in a chamber heated directly by the products of combustion and gaseous fluids, and agitated in the manner described, produces a high efliciency of heat recovery, thereby permitting a greater volume of material to be processed at less cost and with less expensive equipment than has been possible heretofore.

After the material has been processed through heating to the desired extent in the heating chamber 5, the motor 28 may be reversed and the paddles 3| will be turned in the opposite direction, causing the faces 33 to engage the material. The angular disposition of these faces will tend to move the material toward the discharge opening 34. With the cover removed, the material may be discharged through this opening into a suitable receptacle, ready for subsequent operations.

Referring to the form of the invention shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the retort is constructed with a shell 5|, having heads 52 and 53, at opposite ends thereof and enclosing a combustion chamber 54 in the bottom portion of the shell. A burner 55 is mounted in the combustion chamber 54 for supplying hot gaseous fluid for heating the materials.

A cylindrical wall 55 extends about the upper portion of the shell 5| and encloses a heating chamber 56 therein. The wall 55 is fixed at its opposite ends to the heads 52 and 53, but is spaced from the shell 5|, to provide a circulating chamber 51 therebetween. A baffle 58 extends transversely beneath the wall 53', as shown in Fig. 8, and is fixed at opposite sides to the shell 5|. The plate 58 extends preferably throughout the length of the space over the burner 55, but is shown as terminating short of each adjacent head to allow passage of -the gaseous heating fluid to the circulating chamber 51. The opposite edges of thebaflle plate 58 may be provided also with perforations 59 therein, to facilitate the-circulation of the fluid into and through the chamber 51.

The chamber 51 is provided also with vents 60 in the top thereof which are shown as provided with control valves 61 that may be regulated manually or thermostatically as desired. A vent pipe is shown also at 62, connected with the heating chamber 56 which may be valve-controlled, if desired, so as to maintain a pressure or vacuum within the heating chamber.

In this form, the material is adapted to be processed within a rotatable drum designated generally at 53, extending lengthwise in the heating chamber 58, which drum 63 is perforated to allow the oils and fats to drain therefrom into the bottom of the heating chamber. A valved drain pipe is shown at 64, for withdrawing such liquids therefrom.

The head 52 of the shell is provided with an opening therein, normally closed by a cover plate 65 held in place by clamping bolts 66, provided at intervals around the periphery of the cover plate. This cover plate also has handles 61 for manipulation thereof. Upon removal of the cover plate 55, access may be had to the drum 63.

The drum 53 has one end 68 thereof removable and normally held closed by a tight fit with the wall of the drum. Handles 69 are provided on the end plate 88 for removal and replacement of the end plate.

This end plate 88 carries a trunnion I journaled in a bearing H, on the inner face of the cover plate 55, to provide a journal for one end of the drum. The opposite end of the drum has a trunnion 82 formed by a stub shaft which projects through a packing gland 13 that forms a bearing therefor in the head 53 of the shell. The extended end of the trunnion I2, is shown as provided with an operating handle 14, although power-operated means may be provided therefor, if desired.

In this form of the invention, the material may be introduced into the drum 63, upon removal of the cover plate 65 and the end wall 68, after which these may be replaced and secured in tight relation. The drum thus is journaled on the trunnions Ill and 12, for rotation within the heating chamber.

The operation of the burner 55 causes heated gaseous fluid of an entirely dry character to be circulated through the circulating chamber 51, in heat-exchange relation with the heating chamber 55. This may be continued until the material has been heated suificiently and agitated by the rotation of the drum 63, for the desired processing operation. The oil or fat liberated from the material during this processing will be collected at the bottom of the chamber 55 and may be drawn off through the connection 54.

After completion of the heating operation, the material may be removed from the heating drum 83, by removal of the cover plate 55 and the end wall 68 of the drum. A new charge of material then may be introduced and the operation repeated.

The retort may be used for cooking dead animal flesh, which, when properly processed, is removed and the grease pressed therefrom for use as soap, fats, etc; the residue (meat cake) is used in poultry, stock and dog food.

However, a similar retort may be used on vegetable matter, such as stalks, etc., and produce a high B. t. u. gas cheaply. Castor beans, soy beans and various other vegetable matter can be processed successfullyin like manner, as well as various other materials.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in certain embodiments, it is recognized that variations and changes may be made therein without departing from the invention, except as specified in the claims.

I claim:

1. A retort comprising a heating chamber adapted to receive material therein for processing, means forming a circulating passage around said heating chamber, a combustion chamber having means of communication with the passage around the heating chamber for circulating products of combustion to said passage, a burner in said combustion chamber, and suction means in communication with said passage at points above and below said heating chamber for withdrawing products of combustion through and out of the circulating chamber and discharging said circulated products of combustion into said combustion chamber for re-heating by the burner.

2. A retort comprising a heating chamber adapted to receive material therein to be heated, means forming a circulating passage about said heating chamber from end to end thereof, a combustion chamber below said heating chamber and in communication with one end of said circulating passage, a compartment below said heating chamber adjacent to said combustion chamber, a blower in said compartment in communication with said combustion chamber, duct means positioned outside of said heating chamber in communication with upper and lower portions of said circulating passage at the end thereof remote from said combustion chamber and in communication with the suction of said blower, and valve means positioned in said duct means for regulating the withdrawal of products of combustion from said upper and lower portions of said circulating passage to said blower.

3. A retort comprising a heating chamber adapted to receive material therein to be heated, means forming a circulating passage about said heating chamber from end to end thereof, a combustion chamber below said heating chamber and in communication with said circulating passage at one end thereof, duct means outside of said heating chamber communicating with upper and lower portions of said circulating passage at the end thereof remote from said combustion chamber, a valve for regulating the withdrawal of products of combustion from said upper portion of said circulating passage to said duct means, a further valve for regulating the withdrawal of theproducts of combustion from said lower portion of said circulating passage to said duct means, and a blower communicating with said duct means and with said combustion chamber for withdrawing products of combustion from said circulating passage and returning the same to said combustion chamber.

ELBERT A. RODGERS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 8,479 Hall Nov. 5, 1878 136,129 Broadnax Feb. 25, 1873 180,415 Clarke et al Aug. 1, 1876 200,520 Downie Feb. 19,1878 1,446,994 Sieben Feb. 27, 1923 1,524,340 Darrah Jan. 27, 1925 1,699,443 Owen Jan. 15, 1929 

